Kokomo Magazine September 2021

MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021

SAMARITAN CAREGIVERS PROMOTES VOLUNTEERISM TO HELP SENIORS SENIOR LIVING GUIDE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S RETURNS OCTOBER 2

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SAFE SURROUNDINGS

7

Tips for Choosing the Proper Elder Care Facility

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S RETURNS OCTOBER 2

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18

CRUCIAL CARE

GENERATIONAL TRENDS & INVESTMENTS

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Working with a Legal Professional Can Help the Elder Care Planning Process

20

PROPER PLANNING

SAMARITAN CAREGIVERS PROMOTES VOLUNTEERISM TO HELP SENIORS

Helpful Steps When Arranging for Elder Care

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SEPTEMBER WORD SEARCH

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WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S RETURNS OCTOBER 2 Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

When Phil Petty, an only child and selfproclaimed momma’s boy, found out that his precious mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia, he felt compelled to do something, but what?

“As an engineer, I’m a problem solver by nature and yet this was a problem I realized I couldn’t do anything about on my own so I started seeking out help,” says Petty, who stumbled across the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana and learned that they were planning a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Kokomo. Upon learning that 78 cents of every dollar goes toward research to raise awareness and education to end the stigma of the disease and to help families learn how to better cope and assist their loved ones, Petty was all in.

“Society looks at it as, ‘Oh, it’s just people getting old,” Petty says. “They don’t understand that this is truly a disease — one where they are drifting away from people who are right in front of them.”

Petty, Technical Director at Mahar Tool Supply, had already been a huge fundraising advocate for several local organizations, including Kokomo Men’s Rescue Mission,

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CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for kids), ARC (Autism Resource Centre), and Turning Point, which helps recovered opioid addicts get re-acclimated into normal life.

Two years ago, when Petty met with Katie Griffin, development manager for the Alzheimer’s walk, and Anne Murray, director of development with the Indiana Alzheimer’s Association, he presented them

with a $19,000 check the company had raised. Not surprisingly, they were eager to get Petty more involved and asked him to become committee chair for the walk the following year.

“I was excited to get started, but then COVID-19 threw everyone for a loop,” Petty says.

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Last year the walk was virtual, but this year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 2, in downtown Kokomo at Foster Park. There will be sponsors with tables of information to teach community members about the disease and how to deal with it. They will also share the tollfree hotline that anyone can call 24/7 to speak to a skilled certified person that can help family members when they are in need of counsel, even if it’s at 3 a.m.

Participants can either do a one or two lap walk. They have close to 60 walk captains, and each person on every team is asked to raise at least $100. So a 10-member team would be challenged to raise $1,000. The opening ceremony will take place on the main stage, on the corner of Superior and Washington Streets.

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Typically, between 400 and 600 people show up for the walk though they are anticipating a larger crowd this year since everyone is itching to break out and do something together and in person.

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“I would be thrilled if 800 or 1,000 people come,” says Petty, who believes that people want to be a part of something bigger than they are and this provides the perfect opportunity.

“Three years ago, I didn’t know this organization existed, let alone that there was a local walk. Now, I’m taking a leadership role,” says Petty, whose dad also now has vascular dementia after 8 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

suffering a series of mini strokes.

As for his mom, most of Petty’s communication with her is through body language, facial expressions, and the twinkle in her eye.

Petty, nicknamed “The Renaissance Man” for his ability to think way outside the box, set a lofty goal for his team this year.

He told them that if they raised $10,000, he will let his granddaughter dye his white hair bright purple to represent Alzheimer’s. He also promised that for every additional $1,000 raised, he will keep it that color for an extra day.

“Well, I’m going to be purple for opening day [on October 2] and will probably be purple through Halloween!” says Petty, who says his colorful hairstyle will give him a chance to share information about his cause, which, by extension, reduces the stigma.

“You find that there is no stigma if we get beyond the barrier and get people talking,” says Petty, who at a recent charity golf fundraiser, asked participants to raise their hands if they had a family member, friend, or associate who was currently living with Alzheimer’s. Every hand went up.

“People say, ‘I never knew there are so many dealing with the same thing I’m dealing with,’” says Petty, who has heard a lot of people say they were shocked to learn that such a huge organization exists.

“This is why it’s so important to raise awareness,” Petty adds. “It’s pretty hard to get help when you don’t know something is out there.”

Once people know, they want to get connected and inspire others.

“We can all do more, but it takes us working together,” Petty says. “When we act as a whole, we become pretty formidable.”

To learn more about this event, Google “Kokomo Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”

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Senior Living Guide

GENERATIONAL TRENDS & INVESTMENTS Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

In past times, retirement was thought of as the golden years of leisure, when hobbies could be pursued. A June 2021 study, commissioned by financial services company Edward Jones in conjunction with Age Wave, has shed light on how views of retirement have changed. Titled “The Four Pillars of the New Retirement,” the comprehensive poll gathered information and insights across five generations.

Today, the majority of people view retirement as a new chapter in life where they can continue to contribute to society. Edward Jones has identified four interconnected aspects, that are not solely connected to money, but are essential to consider when planning for retirement. These comprise the four pillars of health, family, purpose and finances. Steve Rector, AAMS®, a financial planner at the Kokomo branch of Edward Jones has gleaned insights from the study.

“The study revealed some interesting generational differences across the four pillars,” Rector says. “From a health perspective, which is the first pillar, I am truly inspired by the mental fortitude older generations have developed over time. I’m sure I’m not the only one who may be surprised to learn that while, understandably, most retirees report physical health to be on the decline, they said that their mental health, emotional and psychological wellbeing, actually improved.”

The study also identified, however, that the biggest fear retirees

face is the loss of cognitive abilities and subsequently becoming a burden on their families. Concern of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia ranked highest, surpassing worries of getting COVID or even developing cancer. “Since most of our elderly population are so resilient, it’s no wonder their biggest fear is the loss of cognitive ability,” Rector added.

“Another interesting find was that retirees in small cities or towns actually report higher levels of mental well-being compared to those in big cities or even rural settings. To me, this screams the importance of community and the connections that people form, and that we never really grow out of that,” Rector says.

The second pillar, family, highlighted the trait of generational generosity. Almost three quarters of those 50 and older are willing to provide financial support to family, even if it jeopardizes their own financial security. Younger generations, often portrayed as selfinvolved, actually gave and/or loaned money to family and friends during COVID: 41% of Generation X (those born from 1965 to 1980), 43% of Millennials (those born from 1981 to 1997), and 48% of Generation Z (those born from 1995 to 2015).

“Purpose is the third pillar and it relates back to family,” Rector adds. “Retirees may have all kinds of things on their bucket lists, but what they desire most is to be connected with loved ones. Their greatest source of meaning and fulfillment in retirement is spending time with their friends and family.”

The fourth and final pillar, finances, revealed that one in three of those who are nearing retirement think they will now retire later

10 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Senior Living Guide

Steve Rector and his family

communities, we are thankfully able to be involved in meaningful ways. This allows us to partner for life with multiple generations, and it’s truly a beautiful journey to experience with people.”

Rector has lived in Kokomo for the last 15 years. He and his wife Tasha, a Kokomo native, have an 11-year-old son, Nolan and a nine-year-old daughter, Natalie. While he is involved with several community organizations, one of his biggest passions is helping facilitate Kokomo’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 2, in Foster Park. due to COVID. “The pandemic was seen as a financial wake-up call for over 70% of those surveyed,” Rector says. “One-third now contribute more to retirement savings due to the pandemic, with Millennials leading the way at 42%.”

Most surveyed said they strongly prefer a financial guide, someone who is more of a partner in understanding their goals and can help them achieve them, rather than just an investment advisor. “First and foremost, at Edward Jones, we want to really get to know our clients and their families. We have an established, time-tested process of helping people clarify their goals and then work through a plan comprised of strategies that are tailored specifically for them.

And because our individual offices are interwoven throughout

“Kokomo is a resilient community and the people here have become my people,” he says. “I do what I do because I love helping them take their next step, whatever that may be, toward improving their family’s financial security and future. There is nothing more rewarding or fulfilling than having those opportunities to help in such impactful ways.”

Edward Jones is located at 2985 S. Webster Street in Kokomo, IN. For more information, visit www.steve.rector.com, or call 765-4505301.

Information on Kokomo’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s can be found at bit.ly/alzsteve and the 24/7 Alzheimer’s Hot Line can be reach at 1-844-440-6600.

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Senior Living Guide

SAMARITAN CAREGIVERS PROMOTES VOLUNTEERISM TO HELP SENIORS

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Jason Graves

Henderson says that she has been blessed with skills, staff, volunteers and deep and lasting relationships with many community partners to establish Samaritan Caregivers as a lifeline for seniors aging in place.

In today’s stressful world, everyone could use some help, especially senior citizens, and Samaritan Caregivers is rising to the occasion to help older people.

Jamey Henderson, executive director of Samaritan Caregivers, 2705 S. Berkley Road, Kokomo, says Samaritan is a grass roots organization that promotes volunteerism to help senior citizens at home.

When Henderson took the position, immediately following the September 11, 2001 attacks, several people told her it was not a good career move.

“They believed most charitable contributions would go to New York,” Henderson says.

“However, I felt that given the opportunity, people would continue to support local causes that had a positive impact on their family, friends and neighbors.”

“Many older people have no one to rely on and can’t afford to pay for assistance,” she says.

“Our volunteers provide free help to people 65 and over, living at home in Howard County. In 2020, we served nearly 300 seniors.”

“It’s easy to sign up at samaritancaregivers. org,” she says. “Our current volunteer needs are shoppers, handymen and drivers (especially during winter months when many volunteers go to warmer climates),” she says.

“Things get solved when you get involved.”

Henderson says it always helps to support independence in the senior community.

“According to the US HRSE (Health Resources and Services Administration), Henderson says no special training is required. nearly one out of three older Americans now live alone, and the health effects are “Just be yourself,” she says. “There are many mounting, creating a ‘loneliness epidemic,’” ways to get involved. You can drive someone Henderson says. “Loneliness and social to an appointment. Get groceries for them, isolation are more dangerous than obesity and can be as damaging to health as or go to the food pantry. Send a friendly smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The problem is card. Complete a simple home repair.” particularly acute among seniors, especially during holidays.”

Henderson adds that it’s a great way for families or groups to get involved, as well as Henderson notes that 19% of the population students, schools, churches, organizations, of Howard County is 65 and over, according and clubs.

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Senior Living Guide

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“Volunteers provide critical assistance to seniors who have few resources, financial or relational,” she says. “Often, just a little bit of help will make it possible for people to remain in their homes, which is where they want to stay as long as possible.”

Henderson adds that being involved with Samaritan Caregivers can make all the difference in the world.

“Our volunteers drive seniors to see the doctor and get a prescription, call to check on them, bring groceries, send a card, or fix a leaky faucet,” she says. “All of this helps them know that someone cares.”

Samaritan Caregivers offers transportation to appointments and errands, home visits, limited due to the pandemic, phone calls, grocery assistance and more.

“There is also an Adopt-A-Grandparent program, with students, individuals,

and groups-in classroom or web-based,” Henderson says. “They can also send a card monthly.”

Samaritan Caregivers also needs handymen with occasional simple repairs, Medicare counseling (with seniors of any age and their family members); and a Senior Medicare Patrol (to protect, detect, and report Medicare fraud).

during the pandemic, when most pantries were closed due to limited supplies and volunteers, but is resuming with pantries that have re-opened, and are well-stocked.”

The personal shopping has also come in handy.

“Prior to the pandemic, Samaritan Caregivers volunteers drove 2,500 riders a year, primarily to medical appointments and for shopping,” Henderson says. “When FOOD PANTRY seniors were advised to shelter in place, this Samaritan Caregivers’ Food Pantry is had a devastating effect on those served. especially valuable these days.

We began receiving calls from our elderly friends who had very little food in their “Samaritan Caregivers has an arrangement homes. Staff gave out items we had been with several local pantries with preusing for bingo prizes, then bought things qualifying seniors served by our to make sure no one was hungry. Thanks organization,” Henderson says. “This allows to caring community partners like Duke our volunteers to stop in monthly for a Energy, the Community Foundation, and senior who no longer drives. Normally, NIPSCO, grant money for emergency people must go to the food pantry to receive groceries provided vital assistance. Younger the food. We address food insecurity among volunteers who felt safe shopping, picked elderly homeowners by linking them to up a gift card and store list, shopped and these items. This service was paused dropped off items.”

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Senior Living Guide Samaritan Caregivers currently has a contract with the City of Kokomo for a continuation of that assistance to provide groceries for seniors who don’t drive.

“Forty seniors phone in their grocery list each month, volunteers stop by the office, pick up a list, and get a gift card for Kroger, Meijer, or Aldi, then shop and deliver items to elderly homeowners,” Henderson says.

“This has helped ensure that older people living at home have access to groceries and household items while sheltering in place.”

MEDICARE NAVIGATION Samaritan Caregivers also assists seniors with navigating the Medicare system.

“Most of us find the subject of Medicare complicated and confusing,” Henderson says. “Samaritan Caregivers has a team who have completed an intensive 24-30 hour

training course and are certified by the Indiana Department of Insurance. Regular training keeps them current with recent changes in Medicare and other health care insurance options.

Open Enrollment is October 15 – December 7.

“We don’t sell anything,” Henderson says.

“This is a free counseling service. We give qualified, objective and free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries who have concern with or questions about their health insurance.”

Samaritan Caregivers is well-known for their annual Chocolate Celebration, sponsored

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CHOCOLATE CELEBRATION

Henderson says it is exactly the information people need to make informed decisions about their health care dollars.

“There are also money-saving programs for people with Medicare who qualify, and our team can answer questions about eligibility and assist with filing an application,” she says.

“To schedule your appointment, call the Samaritan Caregivers office, at 765-453-7611.

Phone appointments are also available.”

“Due to the pandemic, the event was postponed this year, from the usual February date, until May,” she says. “It was a huge success, raising $23,000 to give help and hope to seniors. The new May date was so popular that next year’s event, the 20th Chocolate Celebration is scheduled for Friday, May 7, 2022.”

To get involved or find out more, the Samaritan Caregivers office is located at 2705 S. Berkley Road, Suite 3C in Kokomo.

For more information, call 765-453-7611 or visit them online at samaritancaregivers.org.

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Senior Living Guide

SAFE SURROUNDINGS

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PROPER ELDER CARE FACILITY Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

cognitively or physically or are they able to function pretty well on their own?

It’s human nature to want to retain our autonomy, and when asked about preferences regarding late-in-life care, elderly parents often resist the idea of moving into a care facility. Family members may wish their loved one could remain in their home, and yet have lingering worries that they may fall or have a stroke. There is no magic age for when to begin exploring facilities, although it usually becomes evident by the way an elderly parent is behaving. When you realize that a given family member is showing signs of not being able to fully function by themselves or even with the help of a spouse or friend, it’s wise to begin the search.

Answering these questions helps you determine if your parent is best suited for an assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or memory care facility.

Joshua McMahan, a Kokomo attorney with Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan and McClelland, suggests that the first thing families should do when selecting the right senior living facility is to assess the extent of their parent’s needs. Will they require 24-hour care or is assisted living going to be sufficient? Is the person struggling

In many cases, facilities are divided into different sections so that patients can progress from one section to another as their needs change. This enables them to remain in the same facility over time.

McMahan, an attorney who specializes in elder law, encourages folks to get input from friends and family members regarding advice on both care and cost.

“If you know people who have had a loved one at a certain facility, ask about their impression of the place,” says McMahan, who warns against being seduced by a facility’s aesthetics since plush carpet,

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Senior Living Guide freshly painted walls and sparkling chandeliers does not equal stellar care.

“The best way to assess who provides A+ patient care is to ask people’s opinions,” McMahan says.“Word of mouth is a big deal.”

Even hopping on the internet to check quality ratings is helpful (visit IN.gov for links to that kind of thing).

Also be sure to talk cost.

“It’s important to know the cost because if you’re not going to pursue Medicaid, then there are not many options as far as how to pay for it other than out of pocket,” McMahan says. “If you’re signing up for a facility that’s going to cost you $8,000 a month, you need to know that going in.”

Asking whether a facility accepts Medicaid is vital because if that’s the route you end up taking, either right off the bat or eventually after their assets have dwindled and they are getting close to being eligible anyway, you don’t want to have to move your parent somewhere else because their current home doesn’t accept Medicaid.

or all of the amenities, the frequent visits by family lets the staff know that a certain resident will be checked on,” McMahan says.

“That helps with accountability and, by default, care because they know that somebody is paying attention. Aside from the fact that being nearby makes visitation easier, from a care perspective, it’s good when staff know that people are going to be popping in.”

“THE BEST WAY TO ASSESS WHO PROVIDES A+ PATIENT CARE IS TO ASK PEOPLE’S OPINIONS. WORD OF MOUTH IS A BIG DEAL.” — JOSHUA MCMAHAN

McMahan notes that it’s also wise to consider location by selecting a facility that’s close to you (or whomever it will be in the family that’s going to be caring for the patient and/or visiting them frequently).

“That [proximity] can actually make up for a lot of things that a facility may be lacking because even if they don’t have the best staff

While it’s fine for you to gather data and opinions on your own, when it comes time to tour facilities and make a final selection, if your parent has decision-making abilities, then it’s crucial that they have a say in this next phase of their life. Doing so makes for a smoother transition.

“I have a lot of meetings with elderly parents and their adult children,” McMahan says. “When the parents feel like their children are treating them like kids, they tend to tighten up about the process. They get suspicious and stubborn about it.

They don’t even want to have the conversation because of how they are being treated.”

When parents are involved to the greatest extent possible, however, they are much happier and more likely to get on board with a transition.

“It goes back to their sense of autonomy and wanting to be in charge of themselves,” McMahan says. “They want you to talk with them, not about them.”

Joshua P. McMahan is an attorney with Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan & McClelland. Offices are located at 201 North Buckeye Street in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-457-1126.

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Senior Living Guide

CRUCIAL CARE

WORKING WITH A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL CAN HELP THE ELDER CARE PLANNING PROCESS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

declines. Beyond that, it’s smart to meet with a financial planner to plan for retirement.

There is perhaps no worse feeling in the world than that of being overwhelmed. Often when it comes to elder care planning and financial preparation, people don’t know where to begin, who to turn to for help, or what to ask.

“Attorneys can help you with the legalities of things such as wills, power of attorney and things like that, but if you’re worried about how you’re going to be able to afford everything after you retire, lawyers can’t help with that,” McMahan says.

“People do feel overwhelmed by the aging journey, partly because it sneaks up on them,” says Joshua McMahan, a Kokomo attorney with Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan and McClelland. “You’re 40, you blink, and you’re 70, and you’re thinking, ‘How did that happen?’”

It’s unsettling when you think you have all of this time to consider next steps and suddenly you realize that it’s urgent to make some decisions. At that point, McMahan, who specializes in elder law, suggests folks initiate conversations with their immediate family to discuss what to do if their health

your retirement.

“Don’t just make an appointment with your everyday insurance agent who does homeowners and car insurance,” McMahan says. “It’s a different animal.”

Medicare and Medicaid are overwhelming.

In order to break the topic down into manageable pieces for his clients, he That’s why he highly encourages those who are starts by explaining the eligibility rules inching close to the “magic age of Medicare” to in the simplest terms — providing a soft meet with a professional who is well-versed in introduction by using plain English and omitting all “legalize.” the world of Medicare and Medicaid.

“People think, ‘I’ll pay off my mortgage, I won’t have any debt, and I’ll be fine,’” McMahan says. “But your active income will stop even with your pension, you’ll most likely make less money.”

It’s a good idea to meet with an insurance agent who specializes in Medicare supplements and how that will play in with

“I want them to leave knowing more than they did when they got here so I don’t get into too many details or else they lose the big picture,” McMahan says.

Once they discuss the framework and the landscape of it all, clients feel empowered by their newfound knowledge. McMahan then schedules follow-up conversations to discuss

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Senior Living Guide combination.

the nitty-gritty details and mechanics of how to go about obtaining eligibility.

in all of this, there is also an emotional component as well.

Over the years, McMahan has witnessed families not seeing eye-to-eye on various issues. The disagreements may center around a difference in financial philosophy. Other times it’s butting heads over the best course of action. It’s also not unusual for family members to be overly emotional due to the circumstances surrounding the meeting (i.e., parents’ declining health). There’s sometimes just bad blood in terms of family history that brings out the ugly in people.

“People sometimes refer to lawyers as counselors,” McMahan says. “This is an example of when I go into more of a counselor type of role as I try to offer comfort by letting them know that though life may be changing, they’ll be okay financially.”

“There will be a lot of noise in the room, sometimes from people who aren’t even my client so I have to make sure when we are here talking about mom or dad that they [remain the priority,]” McMahan says. “At times I have to reign everyone in, bring them back to what’s important, and negotiate the best plan forward.”

Though there is a lot of legality involved

He has seen clients panic at the thought of losing their autonomy, and that really is heartbreaking.

Sometimes when it comes to making decisions, people tend to turn to their friends for support or bury themselves in online research. Both endeavors can serve to be problematic simply because the information may be wrong or inapplicable to your situation.

“There will inevitably be some nuance that they’re not getting that can be very important,” McMahan says. “If you’re going to talk to your friends or peruse the internet, never assume your circumstances are the same even if the scenario may seem similar.

Taking an example from somebody else and applying it to your life can potentially be dangerous.”

“They feel kind of helpless,” he says. “Plus, often they’re trying to talk about these things when they’re already in a weakened [physical or mental] state. From a human perspective, fearing the loss of what’s normal is understandable — not to mention fearing the unknown as they enter this new Joshua P. McMahan is an attorney with Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan & phase of life.”

McClelland. Offices are located at 201 North Buckeye Street in Kokomo. For more Add to that the stress of figuring out information, call 765-457-1126. how to pay for the care and that’s a tough

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Senior Living Guide

PROPER PLANNING

HELPFUL STEPS WHEN ARRANGING FOR ELDER CARE Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Aging is a part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy or seamless. Caring for elderly parents as you simultaneously raise your own family is especially challenging. The best gift parents can give their children is to plan for their future and have that plan in place before a major crisis occurs.

According to Joshua McMahan, a Kokomo attorney with Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan and McClelland, who specializes in elder law, proper planning is crucial because of the expense of long-term care and the limited options of paying for it.

to be looked at very objectively,” McMahan says. “It’s not a time for being idealistic. It’s a time to be realistic.”

One of the main things to consider from an advanced directive point of view is have a power of attorney in place who can tackle various issues that arise. Though you can have one appointed at any age, it’s wise to do so by age 65. This is key as they can have conversations relating to health care or business if your spouse is unable to serve in that capacity. Health care is expensive, and those are business decisions so it all blends together. If you don’t have a power of attorney appointed for you and you end up needing it, you’re then looking at getting guardianship, and that causes delays and court involvement.

“It’s about anticipating things because when you know what the options and outcomes are, it helps financially and psychologically if “These are not fun conversations to have you’ve got a good plan in place,” McMahan as people don’t like to think that they may says. one day have Alzheimer’s or dementia or whatever, but avoiding the conversation isn’t When making plans for aging parents, a good idea,” McMahan says. the conversation always turns to finances.

Therefore, taking a serious look at your Living wills are a good guide for future finances as it relates to the possibility of decision making. long-term care is key.

“It’s a situation where we can think, ‘This is that I’d like to see happen,’ but when it comes down to financing the stay, that has

“The more you have your thoughts laid out for the people who will be helping you, the better,” McMahan says. A living will is a great way to give that kind of instruction to

people in health care decisions.

“When someone is in critical condition and death is imminent, those can be emotionally charged circumstances with multiple family members in consultation with doctors,” McMahan says. “A living will can help avoid arguments when you spell out your wishes regarding medical treatment.”

Having your last will and testament or trust spells out how you want your estate to be divided, which clarifies your wishes.

If you don’t have those things in place, the state provides it for you through the laws of intestacy. (Intestacy is the condition of the estate of a person who dies without having enforced a valid will or other binding declaration.)

Bottom line — if you want your wishes to be implemented, you have to be sure they are expressed in writing in advance.

McMahan says the most common concern he hears from clients is their worry over how to finance a nursing home stay.

“Everyone has a war story about their aunt, cousin or friend who went into a nursing home and lost everything because they say the state took the house,” says McMahan, who explains that is not technically how it works. It is true, however, that a person has

20 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Senior Living Guide to spend down everything until they get under the financial threshold of the state for Medicaid to pick up the care.

“That scares a lot of people because even if they have done pretty well and have sizable assets, when we’re talking about $7,000, $9,000, or $12,000 a month private pay, most people can’t survive that very long without depleting everything they have,” says McMahan, who notes that when he talks to his clients about their wills, trusts and general estate planning questions, it’s all blended in with this conversation as they wonder, “How do I pay if Mom needs to go into a nursing home?”

there,” McMahan says.

When it comes to planning, people often make two common missteps, starting with waiting too long.

“When we have the benefit of time to do pre-need planning for Medicaid, then we have a lot of options,” McMahan says. “But if you come to us and say, ‘Dad’s going into the nursing home tomorrow or he’s been in a nursing home and Medicare is going to stop paying in X number of days, then we are in crisis mode and we have to scramble to get him eligible.”

The other mistake is eliciting advice from friends as opposed to a professional. Your When assessing someone’s eligibility for Medicaid, McMahan asks people to list their neighbor may advise you to get the house out of your dad’s name, for example, but current assets, income and insurance. that can have a consequence if it’s not done correctly, including unforgiving Medicaid “If a client starts thinking, ‘Mom is going Transfer Penalties. downhill or Dad is struggling with his dementia and it looks like [Medicaid] is on the horizon,’ start to get a list of all that’s out “If you consult with an elder care attorney or

someone who really understands Medicaid, we can still make those things happen,” McMahan says. “They just have to be timed correctly and done properly.”

The bottom line is that planning helps alleviate fear of the unknown, which is the common denominator across elder care issues.

“Once you’ve started taking the steps of proactively addressing some of these things, you begin to understand the landscape of what you’re talking about,” McMahan says.

“You’re not trying to hurry up and learn this stuff. Instead, you’ve got a working base knowledge to have the conversations and these preparations help you with that, which, by default, makes things smoother and less stressful.”

Joshua P. McMahan is an attorney with Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan & McClelland. Offices are located at 201 North Buckeye Street in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-457-1126.

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